On June 13, the 26th stop of the "Colorful Yunnan Hundred Marathons in Mysterious Places" was held at Lugu Lake in Lijiang, known as the Eastern Kingdom of Women. The Mosuo people, who live in this mysterious "Kingdom of Women," practice a walking marriage system where "men do not marry and women do not wed." This stop of the Hundred Marathons in Mysterious Places at Lugu Lake featured a challenge themed "Goddess Marathon."
The 26th Stop of the "Colorful Yunnan Hundred Marathons in Mysterious Places" Held at Lugu Lake in Lijiang
Today’s starting point for the "Hundred Marathons in Mysterious Places" was set at the main gate of the Lugu Lake Scenic Area. The race site was continuously drenched in rain, with lush pine forests and dreamlike thick fog stretching as far as the eye could see. Before the start, beautiful Mosuo girls performed traditional songs and dances. Dressed in gorgeous costumes, the "goddesses" sang and danced with grace, their gracefully fluttering pleated skirts resembling blooming azaleas.
Before the start, beautiful Mosuo girls performed traditional songs and dances at the site
Mosuo girl
The Mosuo people, who live by Lugu Lake, have a total population of less than 50,000. They have their own language and still maintain the traditional matrilineal societal way of life. Aside from Jin Feibao and his full-course accompanying guest Zhang Ming, all other accompanying guests for today’s Lugu Lake leg were female, perfectly aligning with the theme of the Kingdom of Women at Lugu Lake. At exactly 8:00 AM, accompanied by Mosuo "goddesses," the 26th stop of the "Hundred Marathons in Mysterious Places" officially commenced.
Runners in action during the race
Lugu Lake is located at the border of Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, at an elevation of 2,685 meters, making it the highest-altitude lake in Yunnan Province. The lake boasts picturesque scenery and simple, unsophisticated local customs. Today’s starting point began at the main gate of the Lugu Lake Scenic Area, running downhill through vast stretches of pine forest. From the viewing platform, one can see Lugu Lake, shimmering like a sapphire. Unfortunately, heavy fog obscured the view, completely veiling the lake.
Mosuo girls cheering on runners along the route
The race route followed the shores of Lugu Lake, turned back at the Yongning turnaround point, and finished at Lige Garden, covering a total distance of 42.195 kilometers. This course is one of the best for taking in the natural beauty of Lugu Lake. As runners reached Luoshui Village, the clouds gradually dispersed, revealing the stunning true face of Lugu Lake. The sight of Lugu Lake in the rain was breathtakingly beautiful. Surrounded by green mountains on all sides, colorful wooden boats floated calmly on the surface of the lake, while the graceful Gemu Goddess Mountain stood like a serene goddess lying in the lake, quietly watching over the people by Lugu Lake. At 2:20 PM, Jin Feibao and fellow runners successfully completed the first challenge at Lugu Lake. Tomorrow, they will continue running around the lake to further explore the "Kingdom of Women."
Since September 4, 2010, after running the Yantai International Marathon, Jin Feibao once made a vow to complete 100 marathons before the age of 60. Up to today, Jin Feibao has run 100 full marathons in over 40 countries and regions around the world, fulfilling his dream of becoming the "Hundred Marathons Prince." However, to promote Yunnan, he reset his previous running record and is preparing to embark on a new chapter with a 100-day, 100-marathon challenge. Therefore, today’s run at Lugu Lake is truly the "Hundred Marathons Prince Exploring the Kingdom of Women."